The work of the American Red Cross has not stopped despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to respond to disasters locally and across the country, collect lifesaving blood for patients in local hospitals, assist veterans, military members and their families and ensure our community is prepared for emergencies. See below to learn more about our response to COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccine for VA eligible beneficiaries:
Important Requests
In times of crisis, the Red Cross is fortunate to witness the best of humanity as people give their time and talent to help those in need. We greatly appreciate the generosity of the public.
1. Give Blood. Right now, the Red Cross has an emergency blood and platelet shortage, as the national blood supply drops to the lowest it’s been at this time of year in more than a decade.
Individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are still eligible to donate blood and platelets. Knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they receive is important in determining blood donation eligibility.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control. Also, to ensure the health of employees, volunteers and staff, the Red Cross requires all those at blood drives and blood donation centers wear a face mask regardless of their vaccination status. Additional safety precautions include:
Learn more about donation safety protocols
2. Volunteer. Disasters do not adhere to social distancing measures and the Red Cross mission to help individuals suffering from a disaster, such as a home fire, must continue to be carried out.
The Red Cross of Northern Ohio currently has an urgent need for volunteers to assist with responding to home fires, floods and other local disasters and provide comfort and support to residents in need.
We also need volunteers to assist at blood drives and to transport lifesaving blood from blood drives and Red Cross distribution facilities to hospitals.
Learn more about opportunities near you and apply
Trusted Sources
For additional information and to prevent the spread of misinformation, the following organizations are trusted sources for updated information regarding COVID-19:
The Red Cross needs assistance to continue to provide support to individuals in need and to carry out our lifesaving mission. Please volunteer to support your local community.
The current blood shortage and blood drive cancellations could further impact patients who require lifesaving blood. One of the most important things you can do to ensure we do not have another healthcare crisis in addition to the coronavirus is to give today.
We know this is an unprecedented and stressful time and everyone wants to know what they can do to protect their families and themselves. That is why the Red Cross is highlighting some everyday steps you can take to help limit the spread of germs and prevent infections.
As more individuals stay home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the chances of a disaster occurring, such as a home fire, increases. While you are home with your family, take the time to get prepared and make a make a home fire escape plan.
Douglas & Vicki Kovatch
The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation
The Andersons
Samuel and Esther Friedman Foundation
Betco Corporation
Juli & Matthew E. Majernik
Hylant Group, Inc.
Mr. Robert Gray & Mrs. Romona Gray
Lubrizol Corporation
Swagelok
The Stocker Foundation
The DiGeronimo Family Foundation
Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley
University of Toledo Medical Center
First Federal Bank
ProMedica
O-I Glass, Inc.
Dana Incorporated
Faster Inc.
Venture Visionary Partners
Edward and Linda Reiter
John Shrader
Dr. Richard McGrath
Richard and Sylvia Goeke
Audrey and Albert Ratner Philanthropic Fund